Setting initial targets in vehicle side impact safety design using regression-based modeling

摘要

The performance of a vehicle in a side impact safety assessment test can be influenced by a number of parameters which can be categorized under structural, packaging, and restraint system-related areas. One way of setting design variable targets in initial stages for desirable side impact safety performance is to use reliable regression-based relations developed with the aid of test data. In the present study, values of relevant response parameters from a detailed FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) 214 simulation of an aluminum-intensive space-frame vehicle with a front DOT-SID (Department Of Transportation-Side Impact Dummy) are used in an available regression-based relation for front TTI (Thoracic Trauma Index) prediction. It is shown that the TTI yielded by the regression relation matches well with the TTI computed directly from the SID (same as DOT-SID) acceleration responses. Confidence in the simulation results were established by carrying out numerical validation studies of the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) MDB (Moving Deformable Barrier) and SID using LS-DYNA. The ability of the regression relation for predicting front TTI establishes the feasibility of its application as a tool for setting targets in the initial stages of design.